New Delhi: Acknowledging that it had "concerns" with regard to China, India Wednesday night said these can
be addressed to mutual satisfaction and expressed optimism
about the future of relationship.
"There are some concerns. There is no denying of the fact
that there are concerns," External Affairs Minister S M
Krishna told reporters here when asked whether there were
underlining tension between India and China.
Without spelling out the "concerns", he said, "But I
think that India believes that all those concerns can be
settled across the board and that to mutual satisfaction. And
that is our effort."
He was speaking after inaugurating an exhibition of
Chinese paintings and calligraphy here.
Earlier, addressing the function, Krishna said he was
"very optimistic about the future" of India-China relationship
and "we should continue to work to further enhance cooperation
in all fields and strengthen our strategic and cooperative
partnership."
Krishna, who had a telephonic talk with his Chinese
counterpart Yang Jiechi yesterday, said he would be travelling
to Beijing early next year and President Pratibha Patil would
undertake a visit later.
Krishna would be undertaking the visit in April while
the President will go in May.
India was also unperturbed by China's decision to sell military equipment to Pakistan,
saying its ties with Beijing are not dependent on what it does
with other countries.
"Our relationship with China is not dependent upon what
China does with reference to third countries. Hence our
relationship is totally on a different pedestal. So I think we
would continue to work on it," Krishna said.
He was responding when asked about China's decision to
sell submarines and warships to Pakistan, contending that
even India was seeking military equipment from US and Russia.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, December 23, 2009, 23:16